Painting by M. Unamuno

Defining Godly Love

The Bible describes several kinds of love, each with its own distinct characteristics and significance. Here are some of the primary types of love mentioned in the Bible:

1. Agape: This is the highest form of love, often referred to as unconditional or sacrificial love. Agape love is selfless and is the kind of love God shows to humanity. It's the love described in 1 Corinthians 13 and exemplified by Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

2. Philia: This type of love is characterized by friendship and deep affection. Philia is the love shared between friends and is based on mutual respect and common interests. An example of this love can be found in the relationship between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-3).

3. Storge: Storge refers to familial love, the natural affection between parents and children, or among siblings. It's the kind of love that is instinctual and deeply rooted in family relationships. An example of storge is the love Mary and Martha had for their brother Lazarus (John 11).

4. Philanthropia: This term refers to a general love for humanity and is often translated as "kindness" or "benevolence." It embodies a love for strangers and those in need, exemplified by acts of charity and compassion. This type of love is reflected in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

5. Philadelphia: Also known as "brotherly love," this term is similar to Philia but emphasizes the love among fellow believers or members of a community. It is the kind of love that fosters unity and mutual support within the body of Christ. An example can be found in Romans 12:10, where believers are urged to "be devoted to one another in love."

6. Thelema: This term refers to love as a desire or will, often related to God's will and purpose. It signifies a love that aligns with divine intentions and seeks to fulfill God's desires. Jesus expresses this type of love in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

Day 30:  Love That Reflects Christ
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Day 30: Love That Reflects Christ

2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

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Day 29:  Empowering Love
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Day 29: Empowering Love

Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

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Day 27:  Love That Seeks Justice
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Day 27: Love That Seeks Justice

Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

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Day 26:  Love That Hopes
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Day 26: Love That Hopes

Romans 5:5 - "And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

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Day 25:  Love That Pursues
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Day 25: Love That Pursues

Luke 15:4 - "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?"

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Day 23:  Self-Sacrificial Love in Daily Life
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Day 23: Self-Sacrificial Love in Daily Life

Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"

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Day 21:  Spiritual Discipline of Rest
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Day 21: Spiritual Discipline of Rest

Genesis 2:2-3 - "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."

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Day 17:  Respecting Ourselves and Others
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Day 17: Respecting Ourselves and Others

Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

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Day 16:  Love That Protects
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Day 16: Love That Protects

Psalm 91:4 - "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

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Day 12: Compassion in Action
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Day 12: Compassion in Action

Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

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Day 11:  Love That Listens
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Day 11: Love That Listens

James 1:19 - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

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